Pintail Blended Malt 2012 - Oloroso Sherry Cask Vol.57,1% Cl.70

Pintail Blended Malt 2012 – Oloroso Sherry Cask

Pintail is a Blended Malt Scotch whisky, but beware: it's Single Cask and Cask Strength, a whisky with great character. It's special, a blend only because the single malts are combined in one cask to age.

The Pintail Blended Malt 2012 is an extremely rare, limited-edition Scotch whisky, born from the meticulous selection of several excellent single malts, combined and matured together.

Created by renowned independent bottler The Whisky Cellar—led by expert Keith Bonnington (Keeper of the Quaich)—this release revives the historic Pintail brand, originally registered in the 1930s by Matthew Gloag & Sons.

This blended Scotch whisky is aged for over 10 years in a single first-fill ex-Sherry cask, Oloroso Sherry Puncheon.

While we don't know the names of the individual distilleries, the sensory profile suggests the presence of classic Speyside or Highland malts, known to pair perfectly with the rich, fruity, and chocolatey notes of Oloroso sherry.

Given its structured 57.1% ABV, it's recommended to initially enjoy it neat to appreciate its power, and then add a few drops of water to open up the aromatic bouquet and tone down the alcohol.

Technical and Production Characteristics

Type: Blended Malt Scotch Whisky, composed exclusively of Single Malts, without the addition of grain whisky.

Year of Distillation (Vintage): 2012

Ageing: Over 10 years in a single first-fill ex-Oloroso Sherry cask (Oloroso Sherry Puncheon, Cask Ref: #900194).

Alcohol Content: 57.1% Vol. (Bottled at full strength / Cask Strength).

Limited Edition: Only 305 bottles produced worldwide.

Philosophy: Non-chill filtered and without the addition of artificial colors (natural color inherited entirely from the cask).

Tasting Notes:

The long aging in the prestigious Oloroso Sherry cask gives this Blended Malt a decidedly textural profile, rich, enveloping, and deep.

Nose: The initial impact is dominated by intense aromas of dark fruit and spiced plum jam, enriched by warm notes of cinnamon and star anise. Sweet nuances of molasses are also perceived. Malt and a very light balsamic touch reminiscent of eucalyptus.

Taste: The palate is full-bodied and viscous thanks to the full strength and lack of filtration. The typical flavors of great Sherry bombs dominate: dark chocolate, roasted coffee beans (mocha), generous sultanas, and malt loaf. Notes of baked apples and floral hints of barley then emerge.

Finish: Long, dry, and persistent. Baking spices (nutmeg and cloves) combine with a return of roasted coffee, cooked fruit, and a dense oak note, leaving a pleasant sensation reminiscent of peanut brittle in the finish.